How to Become a Carpenter in Central Louisiana
What carpenters do, what they earn, and how Louisiana students can start.
Carpenters at a glance
National figures. Pay in Central Louisiana varies with the employer, your experience and the type of work.
Median pay
a year ($29.12 an hour).
Job outlook
projected growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average.
Builders say they need carpenters
of builders reported serious or some shortages of finished carpentry workers in September 2026; 57% for framing crews.
To start
a high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry requirement.
What carpenters do
Carpenters construct, repair and install building frameworks and structures made of wood and other materials. They read blueprints, measure and cut materials, build walls and floors, install windows and molding, and repair damaged structures. Many also supervise laborers and helpers. Framing carpenters build the structure of a house; finish carpenters install trim, cabinets and other details people see.
How to get started
Build skills now
If your school has a shop or construction class, take it. Hands-on practice with tools, measuring and reading plans is the best head start. Ask your school counselor about Louisiana's Jump Start construction pathways.
Choose a path
A union apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid while they learn, and training combines paid work on the job with classroom hours. Union carpenters in Louisiana train through the Carpenters Training Fund of Louisiana, which lists its training center at 2850 Massachusetts Avenue in Metairie in the state's training provider list. Age, education and testing requirements, apprenticeship length, and where Central Louisiana applicants train are set by the program, so ask the program directly. Carpenters' union representatives will be available to answer questions at Cenla Trades Day.
Work and learn with a builder. Many carpenters start as helpers or laborers for a contractor and learn on the job.
What the Chapter does for aspiring carpenters
Student Chapter members build things with their hands: workbenches, tables and other projects with the help of volunteers and donated lumber. At Cenla Trades Day on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, students can ask people who work in the trades how they got started. The event is free, informational and not a job fair. RSVP by Nov. 6.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Carpenters
- NAHB Eye on Housing: Labor Shortages, A Growing Problem (Oct. 14, 2026)
- Louisiana eligible training provider list entry: Carpenters Training Fund of Louisiana
Last reviewed Oct. 30, 2026. Pay and growth figures are national. Program requirements and dates change, so confirm them with the program.